A cruise vacation is an amazing combination of back-to-back entertainment, interactive activities, and a breathtaking ocean view. You get the best of both worlds. But like any parent, you’re probably already thinking of all the things you might need to pack to accommodate your kids while on the cruise. This may seem like way too much unnecessary stress.
But don’t scrap your cruise travel plans yet; Cruising with the kids can actually be fun. All you need is a little planning. Here’s a guide on how you can pull off your next cruise as a family.
1. Choose a suitable cruise
While scrolling through cruises, make sure to be on the lookout for a kid-friendly cruise. But also bear in mind that a kid-friendly cruise doesn’t mean that there shouldn’t be anything fun for adults. This just means that the package should offer activities suitable for children of all ages, teenagers, and adults.
Pick an itinerary that is not only kid-friendly but also comprises activities that you and your family would enjoy. Don’t forget to account for the stops you’ll make along the way too. There is a curated list of cruises that you can read through to find the perfect fit for your family’s interests.
2. Account for the amenities
If you’re looking forward to some much-needed alone time or a romantic evening with your partner, you might want to check the child-care services offered on the cruise. Some packages include this service, whereas some must be paid hourly. In addition, Cruise Critic suggested checking the age limit for the kids’ club before you get onboard. This way, you can plan ahead in case the babysitting facilities do not apply to you.
3. Pick the right season
If you’re bringing your kids, you might want them to mingle with other kids of the same age range. Taking this into account, you could plan your cruise around the time of the school holidays. Then, your kids won’t be alone in the kid-only play zones.
4. Pick a spacious stateroom
A larger stateroom is ideal for a family cruise with kids running around and jumping about. H Having a bigger stateroom would allow for a play area for your kids as well as a relaxation zone for you. A good way to engage and spend quality time with your kids in the stateroom is by having a mini karaoke session. All you need is a list of songs and a portable speaker, and you’ll be good to go.
If you have older children, opting for connecting rooms is a better idea. That way, privacy is ensured, and it will not be too cramped up while everyone gets ready to head out for the day. But at the same time, family time is just a knock on the door away.
5. Talk about safety
Set aside time to explain to your children about the safety concerns they will have to abide by when they’re on board. Being naturally curious, kids tend to climb over railings and venture into places they aren’t allowed to. Although you will be keeping a close eye on them, especially while on deck, it is imperative to let your kids understand the dos and don’ts while on the cruise.
6. Plan an itinerary
Rest time
It is always nice to go with the flow. But with kids tagging along, it is best to have at least a rough plan for each day that you will be there. Then, adjust your schedule to make room for some rest. Children, and adults, too, tend to get cranky when they’re exhausted. Of course, you want to make the most of the cruise fun offered, but you can’t do that with a grumpy child at hand.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner… and snacks
Apart from rest time, it doesn’t hurt to slot in mealtimes. You can plan your activities around one of the few dining sessions provided per meal. This is especially useful during shore activities where you may have to take up time to scout around at the last minute for food. By planning time for meals, you can ensure that tummies will be filled and that the kids will be happy. It is also an excellent idea to pack their favorite snacks as a quick fix.
Exploration and family time
Moving on to the bulk of the trip; The fun and games. It would be extremely helpful to look up activities and events held on the cruise ship beforehand. It comes as no shock that kids move from one thing to the next in no time. Since they get bored easily, a cruise with activities scheduled at short intervals is the best option to keep your kids occupied.
Mini-golf, water-based activities, and art programs are generally the way to go when planning for a family-oriented cruise vacation. Do some research on the shore outings as well. This will give you a better picture of a good family-friendly spot to visit when the ship docks. And if you’re looking to elevate your cruise holiday album, this may be the time to try using a 360 camera.
Remember not to jam pack the schedule with too many family activities at once. Particularly with teenagers, you might want to give them time to explore and make connections of their own. Plus, you get to allocate time to wind down, explore your own interests, and socialize with people your age. So, here’s a little lifesaver; to avoid arguments while on vacation, communicate your schedules, so your personal activities don’t clash with family dinner time.
7. Don’t forget the essentials
You can skip the basic toiletries as they will already be provided, but it’s best not to miss some essentials. There will undoubtedly be lots of sunbathing and swimming either on the open deck or outdoors at the beach. A tube of sunscreen is definitely something you don’t want to leave behind.
Seeing that kids will be on board, there’s a high chance that they would initially experience motion sickness. While cruises have a first aid kit with everything prepared for emergencies, it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own motion sickness medication. Allergy medications are also a must-have just in case your child nibbles on something they shouldn’t have taken from the buffet.
You should also check if the cruise you chose has a formal night. It could be fun dressing up all fancy with the whole family. This is, of course, without forgetting the non-beach attires for shore activities like hiking and visiting heritage sites.
You’re all set to cruise with your family! The key is to communicate and manage your expectations as well as be prepared. A tip is to include your children in the planning to get them just as excited as you. Enjoy your cruising day!
